Many people trading on the stock market use free stock market tickers to keep track of their investments. There are several sources for these tickers, and nearly every brokerage house through which you buy and sell stock will offer one. Some brokers that readily provide free stock market tickers include T.D. Ameritrade and Scottrade.
Understanding Stock Market Tickers
A stock market ticker displays a constant list of buying and selling activity in the stock market. Each time a stock moves up or down, it’s called a “tick.” The term originated in the early days of stock exchanges when transactions were tracked via telegraph, and results were printed on ticker tape. Today, “ticker” refers to scrolling digital information like news headlines or stock prices.
Popular Sources for Free Stock Market Tickers
One well-known source of free stock market tickers is NASDAQ, which offers a browser toolbar that displays your stock information at a glance as you browse the web. When you’re not browsing, the ticker can be used as a desktop application.
Free stock market tickers are available from various sources, including investment journals, search engines, newspapers, and business consultants. Almost any business with an interest in the market provides stock tickers. You can also find free tickers on websites like AOL, E*TRADE, PCQuote.com, and Yahoo Finance.
The Best Stock Tickers
Among the best free stock market tickers is Market Browser, which includes additional analytical tools like technical indicators, charts, and SEC filing research. It’s suitable for more advanced investors who want more than just price updates. You need to register for the software, but it’s free of charge.
Yahoo Finance also provides a highly customizable ticker application that offers streaming quotes, charts, and news. You can personalize its appearance, such as color schemes and time settings, to fit your preferences. To access this ticker, search for “Yahoo finance badges” and follow the link.
Beware of Information Overload
One important thing to keep in mind when using free stock market tickers is the risk of information overload. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by constant updates, which can lead to poor trading decisions or over-trading. Make sure you manage the information you receive carefully.